Ferran Torres among 2026 Ballon d'Or nominees, third Valencian this century | OneFootball

Ferran Torres has been named among the 2026 Ballon d'Or's 30 nominees after a year that has transformed his career.

According to Superdeporte, he is only the third player born in Valencia to be nominated this century, after Vicente Rodríguez and Alejandro Grimaldo.

He left Barcelona after the World Cup and signed with Paris Saint-Germain until 2031, the reigning European champions, where he was handed the number nine shirt.

His strike in the 106th minute of the final against Argentina delivered Spain's second star, and he was named player of the match.

Back home, he was appointed image and ambassador of the Comunitat Valenciana, recognising his career and status as a role model. He set out an intention for the role to translate into projects linked to sport, youth and positive values.

Foios then staged a mass homecoming, with thousands lining the streets to celebrate the world champion. He again underlined his pride in his roots.

In 2024 Alejandro Grimaldo made the Ballon d'Or list after a standout season at Bayer Leverkusen under Xabi Alonso. He played 33 Bundesliga matches, scored 10 goals, Leverkusen won the league and German Cup and reached the Europa League final.

Vicente Rodríguez was nominated in 2004 during Rafa Benítez's Valencia, who won LaLiga and the UEFA Cup. That year also featured Rubén Baraja, Mista and Roberto Ayala, with Vicente receiving one vote as Andriy Shevchenko took the prize.

Source: Superdeporte

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